Air fryer Bread Pakora| stuffed bread pakora

Air fryer bread pakora is my less-oil version of the classic potato-stuffed bread pakoda. Bread slices are filled with spiced mashed potato and green coriander chutney, coated in a simple batter, then air fried until the outside is golden and crisp.

For this air fryer version, I use equal quantities of besan and red lentil flour. After trying different coatings, I found this combination works particularly well in the air fryer and cooks through more evenly than my earlier besan-only version. If you enjoy this style of snack, you may also like my air fryer onion pakora and air fryer paneer pakora.

My latest batch used ½ cup besan, ½ cup red lentil flour and 1 cup water, and cooked in about 12-13 minutes at 185°C, with one flip during cooking. I have also included the traditional deep-fried bread pakora method below. For more similar ideas, see my collection of Indian vegetarian air fryer recipes.

Jump to:

• Air fryer bread pakora video
• Why this air fryer method works
• Ingredients
• How to make bread pakora in air fryer
• Tips for crispy air fryer bread pakora
• Traditional deep-fried bread pakora variation
• Variations
• More air fryer pakora recipes
• Traditional Bread Pakora | Air fryer Bread pakora recipe
• Frequently asked questions

Air fryer bread pakora video

Why this air fryer method works

• Besan and red lentil flour: I use them in equal quantities for a coating that works better in the air fryer than my earlier besan-only version.
• No deep frying: the pakora only needs a light spray or brush of oil before air frying.
• Quick cooking: once assembled, the bread pakora takes about 12-13 minutes at 185°C.
• Classic filling: you still get bread, chutney and a spiced potato center like traditional stuffed bread pakora.

Ingredients

Refer to the recipe card for exact quantities. These are the main ingredients you need:

• Bread: white or brown sandwich bread both work.
• Boiled potatoes: mashed and seasoned for the filling.
• Green chutney: spread inside the sandwich. You can use my green coriander chutney.
• Besan: also called gram flour or chickpea flour.
• Red lentil flour: also called masoor dal flour. I use equal amounts of red lentil flour and besan for the air fryer coating.
• Spices: turmeric, red chilli powder and salt.
• Baking soda: just a small pinch goes into the batter.
• Oil: only a small amount is needed for spraying or brushing the air-fried pakora.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Perforated parchment paper, optional
• Kadai or deep frying pan, only if using the traditional frying variation

How to make bread pakora in air fryer

Here is the method I used for this updated air fryer bread pakora recipe.

1. Prepare the potatoes

Boil the potatoes until tender. Allow them to cool slightly, peel and mash them in a bowl.

2. Season the potato filling

Add some of the salt and spices to the mashed potato. Mix well so the seasoning is evenly distributed.

3. Fill the bread

Spread green chutney over a bread slice. Add an even layer of the potato filling. You can also add a little tomato ketchup, tamarind chutney or pickle masala if you like.

4. Make the bread sandwiches

Cover with another bread slice and press gently so the sandwich holds together. Repeat with the remaining bread. Cut each sandwich diagonally into two triangles.

5. Make the air fryer pakora batter

Add ½ cup besan and ½ cup red lentil flour to a mixing bowl. Add the remaining turmeric, chilli powder, salt and a pinch of baking soda.

Add 1 cup water and whisk until smooth. The batter should flow easily but still leave an even coating over the bread.

6. Coat the bread pakora

Dip one stuffed bread triangle into the batter and coat it on all sides. Lift it out and allow the excess batter to drip back into the bowl. Repeat with the remaining pieces.

7. Air fry the bread pakora

Preheat the air fryer to 185°C / 365°F for about 5 minutes.

Place the coated bread pakora in a single layer in the air fryer basket. I use perforated parchment paper underneath. If using parchment, add it only with the food so it stays weighed down. Lightly spray or brush the pakora with oil.

Air fry at 185°C / 365°F for 12-13 minutes. Flip once around halfway through cooking and lightly spray or brush the second side with oil. Continue cooking until the outside is golden and the batter is cooked through.

8. Serve immediately

Bread pakora tastes best hot from the air fryer. Serve it with green chutney, sweet date and tamarind chutney or homemade tomato ketchup.

Tips for crispy air fryer bread pakora

• Do not prepare the filled bread sandwiches too far in advance. Chutney and potato can eventually soften the bread.
• Let excess batter drip off before placing the pakora in the air fryer. A very heavy coating takes longer to cook.
• Keep the bread pakora in a single layer so hot air can circulate around each piece.
• Flip once during cooking so both sides brown evenly.
• Air fryers vary, so start checking near the 12-minute mark and add another minute or two only if required.

Traditional deep-fried bread pakora variation

You can also make the same stuffed bread pakora using the traditional deep-frying method. Prepare the potato filling and bread sandwiches in the same way.

For traditional frying, you can make a besan-only batter. Add the spices and baking soda to the besan, then add water gradually until you have a thick batter that coats the bread without running off quickly.

Dip each stuffed bread triangle into the batter and coat all sides. Carefully place it into medium-hot oil. Fry until golden and crisp, turning as needed so both sides cook evenly.

Remove the bread pakora from the oil, drain the excess oil and serve immediately with chutney.

Variations

• Without potato: skip the filling and simply coat bread pieces in the batter before cooking.
• Different chutney: use green chutney, tamarind chutney, tomato ketchup or a small amount of pickle masala inside the sandwich.
• For less spice: reduce or omit the red chilli powder and use ketchup inside the sandwich.
• More tang: add a little amchur or dry mango powder to the potato filling or batter.

More air fryer pakora recipes

If you like adapting traditionally fried Indian snacks for the air fryer, try these next:

• Air fryer onion pakora - crispy onion bhaji made in the air fryer.
• Air fryer paneer pakora - paneer coated with a spiced flour mixture and air fried.
• eggplant pakora in air fryer - chopped eggplant and onion pakora with crisp edges.
• Air fryer methi pakora - made with fenugreek leaves, spinach and onion.
• Air fryer sabudana vada - another snack with both air fryer and traditional frying options.

You can also browse my collection of Indian vegetarian air fryer recipes for more pakoras, cutlets, snacks, chaats and traditionally fried recipes adapted for the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions